verfremdungseffekt

The idea that a theatrical play should deliberately alienate its viewers. This idea was concieved of by the GermanplaywrightBertolt Brecht and implemented in his "epic plays". Brecht held that the alienation would force the audience to consider seriously the political content of his plays, by forcing them to step back from the drama on stage and consider issues rationally. This was in stark contrast to the Realist and Naturalistdrama popular at that time.